Southern California -- this just in

High winds: Caution urged using candles, generators during outage

December 1, 2011 | 10:58
pm

Despite the widespread power outages and the darkened neighborhoods, Los Angeles Fire Department officials are urging residents not to use candles because of the risk of fire they present during high winds.

The Fire Department recommends that people stuck indoors -- or out -- during the outages use battery-powered flashlights or lamps as well as chemical lightsticks as alternatives to candles, according to Tweets sent out by the department.

Those using portable generators during power outages should be sure they are installed correctly because they can quickly produce high levels of carbon monoxide, a harmful odorless, colorless gas. Anyone using a generator also should use a carbon monoxide detector, now required in all single-family homes.